Michael Straw: Anti-obesity medications help “Make America Healthy Again” and save Americans billions

Obesity is a serious and growing health epidemic in our country. According to the National Institute of Health, about 93 million people in our country are currently living with obesity. This number is expected to rise to 120 million within the next five years, which is entirely preventable and can improve health outcomes for millions of Americans. While the obesity statistics for the nation as a whole appear bleak, the Commonwealth is no different with over 33 percent of Pennsylvanians currently living with the disease according to the Centers for Disease Control. 

Innovative anti-obesity medications (AOMs) provide unprecedented benefits for individuals with obesity, surpassing the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions alone. Studies have shown that weight loss not only reduces obesity-related complications but also improves physical and mental health, prevents future healthcare costs, and improves overall well-being. AOMs help people lose weight by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or blocking calorie absorption, and they are more effective than lifestyle changes alone. These medications also lower the risk of health issues like diabetes and heart disease, improve physical and mental health, and lead to a better quality of life. With obesity raising the risk of more than 200 chronic diseases, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, utilizing every available resource is essential to helping individuals live healthier lives. 

Right now, the Trump Administration can take action by finalizing the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) draft rule to provide coverage for these life-saving medications. By finalizing the draft CMS rule, President Trump will be the first president to recognize that obesity is a treatable chronic disease while achieving billions of dollars in savings for our health care system. Specifically, researchers estimate that if Medicare covered AOMs, it could save the program $175 billion in the first 10 years and $700 billion in 30 years. 

Access to high-quality care improves patients’ wellbeing and outcomes. By providing access to anti obesity medications (AOMs) under Medicare and Medicaid, it will enhance the ability of health care providers, patients, and communities to effectively address and manage their care.

With Dr. Oz nominated by President Trump to serve as the Administrator of CMS, our representatives in congress from southeastern Pennsylvania have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of Pennsylvanians and ensure that the CMS draft rule is finalized and includes the addition of AOMs. As the only Republican representing southeastern Pennsylvania, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is well positioned to take the lead on this issue in the House of Representatives’ majority caucus. 

Given Dr. Oz’s deep ties to the Commonwealth, this is a unique opportunity for Congressman Fitzpatrick to ensure that once he is confirmed, Pennsylvanians living with chronic health issues have a staunch advocate at CMS. As a highly respected member of the House of Representatives and a valued voice that the administration listens to, Congressman Fitzpatrick has the ability to become a leader on this issue.

For years, the United States has been viewed around the world as the example for unhealthiness, but with President Trump now in office, we have a chance to better our nation’s health by addressing obesity this issue head on. By finalizing this CMS draft rule, President Trump and his administration can make good on their promise to “Make America Healthy Again”

And, by extension, make southeastern Pennsylvania healthy again. Congressman Fitzpatrick and the Trump Administration can create a lasting legacy and achieve what no other officials have been able to do: reverse the worsening obesity epidemic, address decades of declining public health, and improve health outcomes for a better Pennsylvania and a better America. 

Michael Straw served as an elected delegate to the Republican National Convention, worked as a Regional Field Director of the PA GOP, District Director for former PA Representative Chris Quinn, and Communications Director for the PA Senate Republican Campaign Committee.